CLOTHING

POLICY to be worn under your

survival suit - UK waters

SUMMER WINTER
1st June to 30th September > 10°c 1st October to 31st May < 10°c
2 layers 3 layers (inc one long sleeve top)
Suggested combination; t-shirt, Suggested combination; long sleeve top,
jumper & trousers short sleeve top, jumper & trousers

Do’s Don’ts
Long Jacket
sleeve top Skirts
Shorts
T-shirt
Dresses

Sandals/
Flip flops

Trainers
Trousers/ Boots/
Jeans/ Shoes
Tracksuit
Bottoms Hoodies

Jumper/
Fleece
Crocs High heels

Can I wear jeans? Why three layers in winter? Why no hoodies?

Yes you can wear jeans to travel in.
Why is summer in June and not
May?
We took the average sea temperatures
of the UKCS over a number of years to
decide when the water is warmer and
when it is colder, therefore requiring
more or less layers. We then used this
information to decide that Summer is
from 1st June – 30th September and
Winter is 1st October – 31st May.
Studies have shown that the more layers
you have on, the lower your risk of getting
hypothermia when exposed to cold water.
During winter you must wear 3 layers, one
of which must be a long-sleeved top. It
is important to protect your core so more
layers are required to cover your chest
and internal organs.
Hoodies, or any item of clothing with a
hood, will interfere with the neck seal of
the survival suit. It is essential that the
seal around your neck and wrists is strong
so that in the extremely unlikely event you
are in the water there are no weaknesses
in the seals to allow water into the suit.
Polo-necks and jackets with high collars
also pose a risk to the neck seal.

Web: www.stepchangeinsafety.net / Email: info@stepchangeinsafety.net / Twitter: @stepchangeinfo / Facebook: /stepchangeinsafety